Heavy rain and cyclonic storms are likely to damage Kharif crops in Gujarat

30-Aug-2024 03:52 PM

Rajkot. Heavy rains accompanied by strong winds are expected to continue in Gujarat, the country's largest producer of groundnut, cotton and castor, which is likely to cause heavy damage to Kharif crops as well as infrastructure.

Torrential rains have created a serious threat of floods in many areas. The preparation for harvesting of early sown crops of the Kharif season is going to start in the next few weeks.

Compared to last year, there has been a good increase in the production area of ​​groundnut in Gujarat during the current Kharif season, but the area of ​​cotton has decreased considerably.

Not only this, but the area of ​​castor is also lagging behind. According to the Meteorological Department, there is a possibility of very heavy rains accompanied by storms in Saurashtra and Kutch divisions of Gujarat till August 31.

The rainy season has gained momentum since August 29. A deep depression had formed in the coastal areas which intensified into a cyclone today. As a result, strong winds of up to 85 km (53 miles) per hour are expected there.

According to trade analysts, cotton and groundnut are cultivated in a large area in Saurashtra division.

If the storm and rain cause much damage to the crops, then its prices may rise in the domestic market.

Some parts of the state are already facing severe floods as there was heavy rain in the beginning of the current week.

In some areas, there was a heavy rain of 300 mm in just 24 hours. NDRF teams are deployed in the flood affected areas and more than 500 people trapped in the floods in various districts have been evacuated and taken to safe places.

The low lying areas are already filled with water, due to which the concern of the farmers has increased a lot.